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Jordan Walsh’s Defense-First Breakout Fuels Celtics’ 9–2 Surge as a Starter

His latest 17-point showing against the Lakers followed a career-high 22 at Washington.

Overview

  • Walsh delivered 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal in 26 minutes during Boston’s 126-105 win over the undermanned Lakers, who were without Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
  • Player-tracking data showed Walsh held Austin Reaves to three points on 0-for-3 shooting when matched up, and Reaves said Walsh has the tools to be one of the league’s best defenders.
  • Boston is 9-2 in Walsh’s starts since mid-November, including a four-game winning streak during which he has missed just one of his last 19 field-goal attempts.
  • He set a career high with 22 points on 8-of-8 shooting in a 146-101 win at Washington, drawing coach Joe Mazzulla’s praise for being “unscreenable” on defense.
  • Jaylen Brown applauded Walsh’s emergence while urging him to keep his focus on details, as the 21-year-old’s growing profile now includes off-court fashion features.